ClutchPoints
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign that failed to meet expectations, the front office faces mounting pressure to make difficult financial and roster decisions. With the team aiming to bounce back from a frustrating season, significant changes are inevitable. The 49ers must navigate a tricky salary cap situation. This is especially true with several star players carrying hefty contracts. Among those who could unexpectedly find himself on the chopping block is Deebo Samuel.
The 49ers entered the 2024 season with championship aspirations. However, their campaign unraveled into one of the most disappointing years in recent franchise history. Rather than competing for a Super Bowl, San Francisco stumbled to a 6-11 record. As such, they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Injuries played a major role in their struggles, as did inconsistent quarterback play and a defense that regressed from its once-dominant form. The NFC West remained fiercely competitive, and the 49ers repeatedly found themselves on the losing end of close games. By season’s end, the team was left searching for answers. With a bloated salary cap, tough decisions now loom as they attempt to regroup for 2025.
This offseason, the 49ers are expected to make bold moves on both sides of the ball in pursuit of returning to Super Bowl contention. Armed with 11 draft picks and the recent return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, San Francisco is poised to retool its roster aggressively. With the NFC West more wide open than ever, the franchise has little room for complacency. Given the relatively weak draft class at positions of need, the front office may see this as a final opportunity to construct a contract extension for Brock Purdy. The 49ers have a history of making big moves to sustain competitiveness, and this offseason could be no different—with a few shocking departures potentially on the horizon.
Here we’ll try to identify the San Francisco 49ers player who could be the team’s surprise roster cut in the 2025 NFL offseason.
Deebo Samuel’s regression in 2024 was one of the more disappointing aspects of the 49ers’ underwhelming season. He was once regarded as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. Samuel was expected to be a cornerstone of Kyle Shanahan’s attack. However, his production has steadily declined since his career-best 2021 season, in which he racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. Fast forward to 2024, and he managed just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. Those were his lowest numbers since an injury-riddled 2020 campaign.
Now, the 49ers find themselves at a critical juncture with Samuel. With Brandon Aiyuk securing a lucrative contract extension last offseason, San Francisco is heavily invested at wide receiver. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy’s looming contract extension is set to put further strain on the team’s finances. Given their salary cap...
